Reel Asian Review: Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo‏

A word of advice prior to jumping into the latest edition of the Neon Evangelion franchise, do your homework. Based on one of the most popular anime series of all time, which has spawned several television shows and films, Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo offers no favours for newcomers. The third installment in a quadrilogy of films, 3.0 is clearly a film for the fans.

Picking up after the events of the last feature film, Evangelion: 3.0 You Can(Not) Redo wastes no time diving into the action. In fact it is shocking how much action is crammed in before the title card even hits the screen. It can be a little overwhelming trying to figure out what is happening on screen if approaching the series for the first time. Even trying to explain the plot can be a bit daunting.

The film revolves around Evangelion (also known as Eva) pilot Shinji, who awakes from a fourteen year slumber to find his world drastically changed. Though his fellow pilots have not aged a day, Shinji has been fitted with a control collar and forbidden to pilot any Eva units. For reasons not fully explained to him, Shinji’s former allies fear that he will bring the world back to the brink of destruction. This is especially true after the events of the Third Impact. The “impacts” refer to the times the world was nearly destroyed by Angels, creatures that the Eva units were created to defeat.

Determined to figure out what has caused his friends to be so distrusting, Shinji embarks on a mission to find answers. This will involve sifting through the lies and figuring out who he can truly trust. However, the deeper he digs, the more danger he will inadvertently put not only his friends, but the entire world in.

Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo is a film about the dangers of impatience and pride. It looks at how even the most well-meaning individual can be foolishly blinded by their desire to do good. Like most stories in the mecha genre, the theme of morality and power are juxtaposed with imagery of colourful human piloted robots doing battle with each other. While entertaining, the film is actually at its most engaging in the quieter moments. The piano duet scene and the revelation of its purpose is a perfect example of this. It would have been nice if director Hideaki Anno had explored these moments further.

Of course this might not sit well with fans expecting to see the Neon Evangelion they know and love. Those new to the series would be wise to catch up on the previous two films rather than use this as an entry point. Filled with elaborate action sequences, and references to franchise lore, Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo will satisfy dedicated fans.

Screening
Tonight, 11:15 PM, The Royal

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Published by Courtney Small

The founder of Cinema Axis, Courtney is a Rotten Tomatoes approved critic who can frequently be heard discussing film as co-host of Frameline on Radio Regent. Courtney has contributed to several publications including Leonard Maltin, In the Seats, That Shelf, Black Girl Nerds, and Comix Asylum. He also celebrates diversity in cinema as co-host of the Changing Reels podcast and is a member of the Online Film Critics Society.
View all posts by Courtney Small